First off, we received many complaints that all players were capable of making spectacular catches. We got it loud and clear that you were getting tired of seeing all the one-handers by a litany of different players with vastly different catching abilities. We now restrict those extremely athletic, high degree of difficulty catches to the more elite ball in air receivers only. OBJ, Julio, A.B., Hopkins and Dez are the type of players who will have the ability to do those spectacular catches consistently, while a Running Back or Slot receiver will trigger a catch that is more reflective of his catching ability.

The lack of control options on defense to effectively defend the aggressive catch became a major point of contention throughout the year. We spent a lot of time discussing this specific issue with the community and decided that the right way to attack the problem was not to nerf the aggressive catch, but rather build an effective counter mechanic on defense. Thus, the new SWAT mechanic was born for Madden NFL 17. Defenders now have 3 options when the ball is in the air. Play Ball, Play Receiver or Swat. If you are willing to give up the chance for an interception in order to stop the shot play, the swat mechanic is for you. It has been custom designed as the counter to the aggressive catch on defense.

A huge legacy flaw in the Madden catch system is once a player has ‘matched a catch’ the ball will stay in the receiver’s hands regardless. With ball physics, if a defender collides with the ball during the catch animation, the ball has a chance to be organically knocked out. This also applies to hands and limbs. If they get an arm between the ball and the receiver, the WR will no longer be able to pull the ball through the defender. This is quite a game changer for catches in traffic, and strategic use of the possession catch is critical.

Fumble recoveries in Madden have been one of the many long standing legacy issues that desperately needed attention. We knew by introducing ball physics and organic behaviors, we would need to completely revisit our loose ball and tip ball recovery logic. This includes a set of new animations for loose ball recoveries that cover both in air and on ground scenarios. Players are smarter, react to loose balls faster and have tons of new animations dedicated to loose ball recoveries.

Throw out of sack is how Madden has previously handled situations where a defender triggered a sack animation on a QB who already started his throwing motion. In these cases, the ball would often appear to simply fall out of his hand as the sack animation triggered. With ball physics, we now have organic outcomes in these situations. They can result in fumbles and strip sacks. If the QB’s arm is going forward when he is hit, you are also going to see that outcome play out organically. This all plays a big role in fumble vs. incomplete pass. It is now more important than ever to get the ball out quickly under pressure.

First off, we received many complaints that all players were capable of making spectacular catches. We got it loud and clear that you were getting tired of seeing all the one-handers by a litany of different players with vastly different catching abilities. We now restrict those extremely athletic, high degree of difficulty catches to the more elite ball in air receivers only. OBJ, Julio, A.B., Hopkins and Dez are the type of players who will have the ability to do those spectacular catches consistently, while a Running Back or Slot receiver will trigger a catch that is more reflective of his catching ability.

The lack of control options on defense to effectively defend the aggressive catch became a major point of contention throughout the year. We spent a lot of time discussing this specific issue with the community and decided that the right way to attack the problem was not to nerf the aggressive catch, but rather build an effective counter mechanic on defense. Thus, the new SWAT mechanic was born for Madden NFL 17. Defenders now have 3 options when the ball is in the air. Play Ball, Play Receiver or Swat. If you are willing to give up the chance for an interception in order to stop the shot play, the swat mechanic is for you. It has been custom designed as the counter to the aggressive catch on defense.

A huge legacy flaw in the Madden catch system is once a player has ‘matched a catch’ the ball will stay in the receiver’s hands regardless. With ball physics, if a defender collides with the ball during the catch animation, the ball has a chance to be organically knocked out. This also applies to hands and limbs. If they get an arm between the ball and the receiver, the WR will no longer be able to pull the ball through the defender. This is quite a game changer for catches in traffic, and strategic use of the possession catch is critical.

Fumble recoveries in Madden have been one of the many long standing legacy issues that desperately needed attention. We knew by introducing ball physics and organic behaviors, we would need to completely revisit our loose ball and tip ball recovery logic. This includes a set of new animations for loose ball recoveries that cover both in air and on ground scenarios. Players are smarter, react to loose balls faster and have tons of new animations dedicated to loose ball recoveries.

Throw out of sack is how Madden has previously handled situations where a defender triggered a sack animation on a QB who already started his throwing motion. In these cases, the ball would often appear to simply fall out of his hand as the sack animation triggered. With ball physics, we now have organic outcomes in these situations. They can result in fumbles and strip sacks. If the QB’s arm is going forward when he is hit, you are also going to see that outcome play out organically. This all plays a big role in fumble vs. incomplete pass. It is now more important than ever to get the ball out quickly under pressure.

1. The 3 click kick meter isn't new, it has been reinstated after being taken out of Madden a few years ago

2. Isn't the main special teams issu kick/punt return coverage? I haven't played the latest Madden but I know that seems to be the main special teams complaint that usually pops up with the game for a number of years running.

The zone blog is a lot to take in, similar to the gap play one. Would have been nice to see some shots of how the zones play differently in-game but that time will come eventually.

As for the special teams stuff, a new meter has been long overdue, now it's just a matter of figuring out how difficult it really is. Not a fan of how they did the block kicks but need to know more. Just from the screenshots it seems like the blocks will only come from guys off the edge rather than players in the middle. The NFL also changed the rule on how many guys can line up on either side of the center to no more than six and in the Cardinals screenshot, they have seven.

I don't have too much of a problem with the catch outcome part but I don't like how they went about it. There were far too many one handed catches regardless of who was doing them in 16 and it doesn't really say anything about them being toned down, just that it will be the superstars doing them.

The zone blog is a lot to take in, similar to the gap play one. Would have been nice to see some shots of how the zones play differently in-game but that time will come eventually.

As for the special teams stuff, a new meter has been long overdue, now it's just a matter of figuring out how difficult it really is. Not a fan of how they did the block kicks but need to know more. Just from the screenshots it seems like the blocks will only come from guys off the edge rather than players in the middle. The NFL also changed the rule on how many guys can line up on either side of the center to no more than six and in the Cardinals screenshot, they have seven.

I don't have too much of a problem with the catch outcome part but I don't like how they went about it. There were far too many one handed catches regardless of who was doing them in 16 and it doesn't really say anything about them being toned down, just that it will be the superstars doing them.

I liked the zone blog but couldn't really understand it. The other blog was good as well. I like that the kickers rating will matter more now and it won't be an easy 3 points all the time. I also like that the one handed catches are now only going to be done by players that should be doing them and also if someone keeps throwing the ball deep and trying to do an aggressive catch their WR has more of a chance to get injured. The block punts/field goals are very welcomed and I like that only certain players will get a chance to block it. Still need to see how often one will get blocked though.

I liked the zone blog but couldn't really understand it. The other blog was good as well. I like that the kickers rating will matter more now and it won't be an easy 3 points all the time. I also like that the one handed catches are now only going to be done by players that should be doing them and also if someone keeps throwing the ball deep and trying to do an aggressive catch their WR has more of a chance to get injured. The block punts/field goals are very welcomed and I like that only certain players will get a chance to block it. Still need to see how often one will get blocked though.

Real NFL stats are about 1 every 16 games or so for kicks, punts 1.5-2 per 16 games.

1. The 3 click kick meter isn't new, it has been reinstated after being taken out of Madden a few years ago

2. Isn't the main special teams issu kick/punt return coverage? I haven't played the latest Madden but I know that seems to be the main special teams complaint that usually pops up with the game for a number of years running.

When was the last time Madden had a 3 click kicking meter? I think i'ts been a lot longer than a few years.

Man oh man. I'm not usually really exited about a new Madden. I look forward to them but, not excited. I'm legitimately excited this year. They have added so much real football stuff. From strategy to gameplay. Just a lot of real football. This is the first Madden that I feel knowing real football will be a huge advantage over the cheeser. I hope I'm right about all.

A huge legacy flaw in the Madden catch system is once a player has ‘matched a catch’ the ball will stay in the receiver’s hands regardless. With ball physics, if a defender collides with the ball during the catch animation, the ball has a chance to be organically knocked out. This also applies to hands and limbs. If they get an arm between the ball and the receiver, the WR will no longer be able to pull the ball through the defender. This is quite a game changer for catches in traffic, and strategic use of the possession catch is critical.

This game is going to play completely differently. This alone would change the passing game but with everything else that doesn't need quoting, wow. This is as close as we can expect to an overhaul in 1 year. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Man oh man. I'm not usually really exited about a new Madden. I look forward to them but, not excited. I'm legitimately excited this year. They have added so much real football stuff. From strategy to gameplay. Just a lot of real football. This is the first Madden that I feel knowing real football will be a huge advantage over the cheeser. I hope I'm right about all.

I enjoy the hype and speculation every year knowing the game will be "meh" but this year I'm actually starting to believe, of course we need to see 1) how everything works after the first patch and b) is AI any smarter both gameplay and roster management in cfm wise.

1. The 3 click kick meter isn't new, it has been reinstated after being taken out of Madden a few years ago

2. Isn't the main special teams issu kick/punt return coverage? I haven't played the latest Madden but I know that seems to be the main special teams complaint that usually pops up with the game for a number of years running.

True. I think madden 12 had it. Was it three clicks or 2? I can't remember

I enjoy the hype and speculation every year knowing the game will be "meh" but this year I'm actually starting to believe, of course we need to see 1) how everything works after the first patch and b) is AI any smarter both gameplay and roster management in cfm wise.

That's what is excited. All this gameplay stuff and we haven't even seen all the new CFM stuff. If it's really overhauled and deep like we have been told I may not leave the house for a month. [emoji23]

They're fine. I actually prefer an always connected experience.
I'd really prefer an offline way to play, but its not a bother.
I don't really like them, and am more reluctant to buy a game because of it.
I won't buy them. I want my games offline.